If you’re looking for the perfect little sweet to brighten someone’s day (or your own), Homemade Butter Mints are the answer! These creamy, melt-in-your-mouth candies come together with just a handful of pantry staples, and nothing compares to the freshness of their buttery, minty flavor. They’re a darling old-fashioned treat made modern—ideal for gifting, parties, or a satisfying nibble after dinner. Let me show you how easy and rewarding it is to make these dreamy confections in your own kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s hard to believe something so irresistible could require so few ingredients, but the magic of Homemade Butter Mints lies in their simplicity! Each ingredient has a starring role, working together for that signature creamy texture and sweet, cool flavor:
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter creates the rich, dreamy base and helps these mints melt the moment you bite in.
- Salt: Just a touch draws out sweetness and intensifies the buttery finish—don’t skip it!
- Peppermint extract (or vanilla): The peppermint gives an iconic zing, but vanilla makes them extra kid-friendly and mellow.
- Powdered sugar: Sifted for silkiness, this is the secret to a smooth, tender bite without any grittiness.
- Heavy cream: Adds luscious moisture, making the dough easy to shape and giving the mints that decadent mouthfeel.
- Gel food coloring (optional): For festive flair! Just a drop gives a pastel hue without watering down the dough.
How to Make Homemade Butter Mints
Step 1: Cream the Butter, Salt, and Extract
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and beating the softened butter with the salt and your chosen extract. You want a super-smooth, almost billowy mixture—this is the foundation for that melt-in-your-mouth magic Homemade Butter Mints are known for!
Step 2: Gradually Add Powdered Sugar
Now, patiently work in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Mixing well between additions ensures the sugar fully blends in, giving your dough a silky, kneadable texture instead of a sticky mess. Halfway through, you might wonder if it’ll all fit, but keep mixing—it will!
Step 3: Mix in Heavy Cream
This is where everything pulls together. The heavy cream loosens the dough just enough, binding all the sugar and butter together in a smooth, soft ball that’s perfectly pliable but not sticky. Your hands may start itching to taste test already!
Step 4: Divide and Color (If Using)
If you want colorful Homemade Butter Mints, split the dough into as many bowls as you’d like and knead in a few dabs of gel food coloring. Soft pastels are timeless, or go bold with jewel tones for a statement. Just be gentle and add a little at a time—a toothpick works wonders for precision.
Step 5: Shape the Mints
Dust your hands with powdered sugar, then roll small bits of dough into ropes about 1/2 inch thick. Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut little pillow shapes, or get creative—roll balls and press with a fork, or use mini cutters for fun shapes. However you shape them, each mint will be unique and charming.
Step 6: Dry and Set
Place the cut mints on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them so air can circulate. Let your Homemade Butter Mints air-dry at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours. This patience pays off—they’ll develop the classic firm shell with a creamy center that’s absolutely irresistible.
How to Serve Homemade Butter Mints
Garnishes
For an elegant touch, sprinkle your mints with a little extra powdered sugar just before serving, or add a few edible glitter flakes for party sparkle. If you’ve colored your mints, layering different hues in a bowl is instantly eye-catching.
Side Dishes
Homemade Butter Mints play so well with others! Serve them alongside a tray of cookies, shortbread, or chocolate truffles for a festive dessert buffet—or pair them with hot coffee or tea after a big meal for a refreshing finish.
Creative Ways to Present
Tuck a handful of Homemade Butter Mints into cellophane bags tied with ribbon for charming party favors, or layer them in a glass jar with a hand-written label for a thoughtful gift. At home, try piling colorful mints in a vintage candy dish or setting them out in mini cupcake liners at each place setting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully dried, Homemade Butter Mints keep beautifully! Pop them into an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to two weeks. They’ll stay fresh and creamy, ready whenever a sweet craving strikes.
Freezing
You can freeze these mints to extend their life even further! Simply layer them between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature and they’ll be just as velvety and delicious as the day you made them.
Reheating
No reheating needed—these are best enjoyed at room temperature. If they’ve just come out of the freezer, let them sit out for about 30 minutes so the texture returns to its soft and creamy best.
FAQs
Can I use a different extract for Homemade Butter Mints?
Absolutely! While peppermint is the classic choice, vanilla, lemon, or even almond extract can create fun flavors for different occasions. Just start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
Why is my dough too sticky or too dry?
If your dough feels sticky, add a little extra sifted powdered sugar until it firms up. If it’s dry or crumbly, blend in a bit more heavy cream, a teaspoon at a time—conditions like humidity can affect the texture.
How do I prevent the mints from sticking to each other during drying?
Lay the mints out with space between them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Turning them once or twice as they dry can help air circulate and keep them from sticking.
Can I make Homemade Butter Mints without food coloring?
Definitely! They’ll be beautifully creamy and white. Food coloring is optional and just for decorative flair—it won’t affect taste or texture at all.
Are Homemade Butter Mints gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check your extract and food coloring labels if needed.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making Homemade Butter Mints, now is truly the time to treat yourself! They’re quick, endlessly customizable, and certain to add that extra bit of joy to any celebration or quiet moment. Give them a try and see how quickly they become a cherished classic in your own kitchen!
Print
Homemade Butter Mints Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus drying time)
- Yield: About 100 mints 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
These Homemade Butter Mints are classic, melt-in-your-mouth treats that are perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create these delightful sweets at home.
Ingredients
For the Butter Mints:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (or vanilla for a milder flavor)
- 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- Gel food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Butter Mint Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the salt and peppermint extract until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Incorporate Heavy Cream: Add the heavy cream and continue mixing until a thick, dough-like consistency forms.
- Add Food Coloring (Optional): If using food coloring, divide the dough and knead in the desired color(s) until evenly blended.
- Shape and Dry: Roll small portions of the dough into ropes about 1/2 inch thick, then cut into small pillow-shaped pieces. Place the mints on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them air-dry at room temperature for 12–24 hours until firm to the touch.
- Store: Store the mints in an airtight container at room temperature.
Notes
- You can shape the dough using small cutters or roll into balls and press with a fork for a classic look.
- These make great gifts and can be made in seasonal colors for holidays.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 mints
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 15 mg
- Fat: 2.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
